CR & FC kicked off their Cup Segment campaign with a rain-interrupted game, securing a 20-14 victory after only the first half was played against Havelock Sports Club in the Mastercard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division Rugby League 2024, held at Longdon Place.
After a 53-42 defeat at Havelock Park, CR & FC welcomed their fierce rivals, Havelocks Sports Club, for a must-win clash for both sides in their Super Round Cup Segment opener.
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The hosts dominated the early exchanges, kicking to the corner and setting up a rolling maul. However, Havelocks’ defense halted it illegally, giving CR the advantage. With the penalty in hand, the CR forwards made a series of strong carries before second-rower Senal Adikaram powered over the line to open the scoring. Mursheed Doray added the extras from a difficult angle. (CR 07-00 Havelocks)
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Havelocks responded immediately as their forwards strung together over ten phases of relentless attacking play, gaining valuable meters. Nippy scrum-half Rifan Mohamed then sold a clever dummy before darting over under the posts to get the visitors on the board, with Samuel Maduwantha easily converting. (CR 07-07 Havelocks)
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The game was played at a high tempo, and Havies’ discipline proved costly. They conceded a breakdown penalty, and further indiscipline pushed them back another ten meters. Sensing an opportunity, Mursheed Doray opted for the three points and calmly slotted the kick to regain the lead for CR. Havies’ struggles continued when Chethana Rajarathne tackled his counterpart, Rinesh Silva, in the air, earning a yellow card. Moments later, another breakdown infringement gifted Doray another shot at goal, which he executed perfectly to extend CR’s lead. (CR 13-07 Havelocks)
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As the rain began to pour, conditions worsened. Havelocks attempted a counterattack after collecting a loose ball, kicking ahead for territory. Aaron Corera after collecting kick charged forward into contact, and from the resulting ruck, Doray quickly sent the ball to playmaker Thenuka Nanayakkara. Slicing through the heart of the Havelocks defense, Nanayakkara then delivered a pinpoint long pass to skipper Gamunu Chethiya, who sprinted into the corner for CR’s second try. Doray once again made no mistake with the conversion from the touchline. (CR 20-07 Havelocks)
However, CR’s momentum was short-lived as they conceded a penalty near the 30-meter mark. Rifan Mohamed, ever the opportunist, caught the defense off guard with a quick tap, slicing through an unprepared CR defensive line to score his second try under the posts. Maduwantha added the easy conversion, bringing Havies right back into the contest.
Half Time: CR & FC 20 (2T,2C,2P) – Havelocks SC 14 (2T,2C)
Due to heavy downpour, the game could not begin as the referees waited to see if the rain would ease and the lines would become visible. However, the rain continued to pour, and the match was ultimately called off.
Full Time: CR & FC 20 (2T,2C,2P) – Havelocks SC 14 (2T,2C)
Points Breakdown
CR & FC – 20
Senal Adikaram – 1T
Gamunu Chethiya – 1T
Mursheed Doray – 2C, 2P
Havelocks SC – 14
Rifan Mohamed – 2T
Samuel Maduwantha – 2C
